Coffee for Breakfast

I was one year old in 1970. This  was the year our most cherished family tradition began for me. Of course I can’t remember that particular  annual family reunion, but several during that decade ar e etched in my heart memories forever.  Each  year the  entire family on my Daddy’s  side, gathered in  the small Texas town of  Stephenville .  My grandmother,  Mamma w , only saw her extended family ,  the third weekend in June, annually. As much as I loved actually attending the reunion ,  part of the excitement for me as a young girl, was the long road trip itself.   Mammaw  always rode wi th us. One of our traditions was that I would always sit in her lap during the  car ride. This was long before the requirement of  seat belts . The most memorable trips included a stops along the way. One year we stopped in  Glenrose , Texas  at Dinosaur Valley. I w ill always treasure the snapshots from that day of dinosaur tracks and the  statue of a T-Rex. After hours in the car , w

Today began with coffee, as usual. Then I helped my husband get our huge yard back in order. He is such a hard worker, if I don't help him, he will spend every day this summer forgetting how to relax. Relaxing is at the top of my agenda. After I put a new routine in order, I'm hopeful that we will make a lot of fun, laid back memories. Just a few things I want to make happen over the next couple of weeks: Homemade ice cream...I bought an unused (still in the box) electric ice cream maker last year that never was used.   Keeping a large gallon of lemonade/tea made at all times  Picnic at the lake and swimming or fishing   Fireworks show  Produce stand  Popsicles for the grandkids   Lots of journaling and self care (because that is my current stage)  Finishing my 4th of July quilt (from last year) I also managed to make a menu plan for the next couple of weeks. Breakfast plan is to keep it simple. I'll just rotate between eggs, smoothies, yogurt, and oat

The first day of summer, 2017... After reading through my old blog posts, I decided it's time to write the next chapter in my life. Upon realizing that today is the first official day of summer, I thought I would share My Summer Story, 2017. Day one is all about catching up on necessary chores and errands. Hopefully today's prep work will allow some relaxed summer fun for the next couple of weeks. I've not put enough thought into how I would like to spend the next  90ish days of summer in an intentional way. So, tonight I would like to make a bucket list. Life has been good but busy. Summer, you were sneaky this year. I don't plan to let you slip out of sight and transition into fall before I make the most of you.

Not sure where. We are staying in the same town. We just have to find a new house. Last week we had a lot of rain. It is still raining. We discovered that our roof was leaking in numerous places. The leaks set off a series of unfortunate consequeces. The electrical wiring to the ac was fried. Then for no reason other than everything else was damaged, the kitchen sink decided not to drain. The roof leaks caused so much damage to my youngest daughter's room that we had to trash almost everything she owned. Even her mattress was ruined. We have spent the last week cleaning and packing. We haven't located a new house yet, but that shouldn't be a problem. I hope. Times of transition are not always pleasant. As the mom, I try to make the best of it. If my attitude is bad everyone seems to have a bad attitude. After working all week in the wet carpet and molded walls I had to find a way for us to stay sane. We decided to move the travel trailor to an rv park. Wonderful idea. Now w

After this evening when I take Aubree to Courtney's house, I will be spending the week alone. Of course my husband will be home in the evenings after work, but all of my girls will be at church camp. What oh what will I do? I'm going to spend half the day tomorrow cleaning house. Then, I will be off to the RV to enjoy the rest of the week! I'm not going to plan my time. I'm just going to spend my days doing whatever I feel like. There may be a little reading, a little sunbathing, movie watching, and who knows! I've been looking forward to this for a few weeks. I'm sure I will miss my kids. I just hope they have a blast at camp, I have a few relaxing days, and some wonderful evenings spent with my honey!

Today, Aubree and I visited the Western Heritage Museum Complex & Lea County Cowboy Hall of Fame. She loved all of the Indian artifacts. Also a big hit was Gus the animated robotic cowboy thingy. (how was that for a description?) He was very life-like. You can ask him questions about ranch life and things. He will answer you by computer controlled technology. Pretty neat, but a little creepy. We even found out the ingredients for Son-Of-A-Gun Stew. Don't ask! I was able to buy a coloring book in the gift shop about New Mexico. Being the sneaky homeschool mom I am, she "did" school today without even realizing it! I picked up a few free brochures also. Sometime during our NM stay we will work on her notebook. She is learning alot about the wildlife, plants, and NM state symbols. I love homeschooling. Then we enjoyed the pool here at the RV park all to ourselves. I would have to say we had a wonderful week.

Aubree and I have been having a blast! Randy bought us rod & reels. (mine is pink!) He taught us how to cast. (I already knew, but I let him teach me anyway, hahaha!) Then he took us to this little lake in town. Each of us caught a fish. I'm looking forward to going again soon. Maybe the girls and I will even go alone. Then on Tuesday, Aubree and I enjoyed going to the movie theater while Randy was working. Cute movie and perfect for dog-crazy Aubree! We have a couple of days left before we pick up the girls for the weekend. Who knows what else we may find to enjoy?

There isn't alot going on around here and that is just fine with me. We have enjoyed our weekend together. Randy took us to the mall on friday and we spent the evening with some new friends on saturday. Today he is working all day. The girlies are at the pool. We leave in the morning, so I will be cleaning and doing laundry. Hopefully I'll put aside a little time to cut out the new quilt I have planned. I'm still enjoying our part time rv living. It is wonderful to spend half of the week away from all the demands of life. It is so funny that we are doing some of the same things but the pressure isn't present. I still have to cook, clean, do laundry, etc. I don't even mind running to town for this or that. At home it is so annoying to run out of something and have to go to Walmart! I'm not sure what the difference is. I just know that I'm considering this time in the rv to be a complete and awesome gift from God! Next weekend we hope to visit a museum and may

Summer basketball!

The weather, (if you look closely you can see TWO rainbows!) the wildlife, and the wild kiddos!

I have spent alot of time doing some heavy reading! It has been wonderful and very thought provoking, but... I AM READY TO JUST HAVE FUN THIS WEEK! The girls and I are planning to do a little shopping, a little swimming, and a whole lot of relaxing this weekend. I can't wait. I'm also hoping to fit in a little bit of sewing. I'm a little behind on my goal of finishing at least one project per month. I have three projects in the works, so that should catch me up. I'm also contemplating this. I've been collecting vintage pillowcases for a couple of years. I was just waiting on the right project to catch my eye. I think this will be perfect. I'm looking forward to a wonderful weekend and I hope to have pictures to share.

Our official school year is coming to a close. We have had such a busy year. I'm looking forward to some much needed down time. We will begin our RV adventure this week. I think the timing couldn't be better. I have been having fun planning and decorating our new little space. The bedroom is only lacking some new little curtains. I have plans to begin the bedding in the girls' little bunk bed area. The table/booth and sofa may be re-upholstered later, if I feel ambitious. I plan to keep this space very minimal but also homey. We will be spending about half of our time there. I want everyone to be able to relax and enjoy our time together. I'm looking forward to spending lots of time this summer playing games, swimming, and just loving my family.